The South African court dismissed Imanuwela David's defense that his sudden fortune originated from Bitcoin and diamond trading, noting the stolen funds were traced directly to his bank account. Farm cleaner Froliana Joseph was convicted of conspiracy to commit housebreaking alongside David, while her brother was acquitted of all charges. Pre-sentencing hearings for both convicted individuals are set to commence on 13 November. The underlying case remains politically sensitive after an independent panel found Ramaphosa may have questions to answer regarding allegations he concealed the incident from authorities.
Key points
Pre-sentencing hearings for the convicted individuals are scheduled to start on 13 Novemb…: Pre-sentencing hearings for the convicted individuals are scheduled to start on 13 November.
The constitutional court ruled in May that parliament acted unlawfully when it shelved th…: The constitutional court ruled in May that parliament acted unlawfully when it shelved the independent panel's report.
President Cyril Ramaphosa used a provincial court in July to block the revived impeachmen…: President Cyril Ramaphosa used a provincial court in July to block the revived impeachment inquiry.
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- Published
A court in South Africa has found a man guilty of stealing more than $500,000 (£372,822) in cash from a farm owned by South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, in a case that mired the head of state in an impeachment saga.
Imanuwela David was found guilty of theft on Monday, as well as conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal at Phala Phala farm in the Limpopo province in 2020.
Froliana Joseph, a cleaner at the property, was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal.
Her brother, Ndilinasho Joseph, was acquitted on all charges.
David was accused of breaking into the cattle farm in February 2020 and taking $580,000 (£432,000) in cash from a sofa on the property. David then went on a spending spree, buying a range of cars including three Mercedes - among them one for his girlfriend - a Porsche, two Volkswagens as well as diamond-encrusted Rolex watches and a house.
David told the court he had made the money through businesses including diamonds and Bitcoin, claims the court…
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